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As we get closer to Will Smith’s ‘I, Robot’ rendition of computers ruling the world we now have home appliances connected to the ‘net. USA Today reports appliances ‘that link wirelessly to Internet-connected home networks are being tested by consumers who are receiving updates on their dirty laundry via cellphones, computers and TV sets. Messages not only indicate when a wash is complete but also can warn that a lint filter is clogged or a load is too large. Users can remotely command the machines to fluff dry clothes or start a load from a distance after being told – oops – they forgot to start the wash.’

Another useless (but kind of neat) gadget or is this the new wave of the future? Who will use this technology and how practical it will actually be is the question I would like to see answered?

Sanyo’s new ‘Air Wash’ appears to be a developement of the ‘Airwash’ ion washer that we reported on yesterday. According to Sanyo, the system injects air combined with Ozone on the articles inside the drum, and is able to disinfect and deodorize in about a 30 minute process. The Ozone that is injected inside the drum decomposes odors and bacteria and then goes back into the air.

The AirWash, which won the ElectroLux Design Lab 2005 Award, uses negative ions, compressed air and deodorants to clean clothes. The design form was inspired by a waterfall, which sceintifically speaking is nature’s own negative ion factory. The unit was designed by two students from the National University of Singapore’s school of industrial design. The waterless washing machine removes stains from garments within a few minutes, without the use of detergents or water. It can be used for cleaning garments of all kinds, though the judges took special note of AirWash’s potential to make convential dry cleaning obsolete. AirWash should also help save energy costs and water consumption, and has huge potential for places without ready access to clean water. The winners, Gabriel Tan and Wendy Chua won the competition beating out entries from 3,000 other students from over 88 countries.

Earlier this year LG came out with their new Direct Drive Steam Washing Machine. Now they have tweeked it with a new limited edition. Inspired by UK’s Designers Guild, the washer now comes in four new print designs. The limited edition Steam Direct Drive comes in: Cloisonne – striking dark flowers on a black background, Imperial Flower – a regal red floral design on white, the light green on white airy floral Sevilla and a modern geometric design Ribailagua. They are currently only available in the UK. However, if the demand is there I can see this idea appearing in North America as well. i.e. Martha Stewart “It’s a good thing” limited edition?

A few general/global comments on the purchase of Maytag by Whirlpool Corp.

Whirlpool purchasing Maytag is great news for Whirlpool Corp. shareholders. What better way is there to beat out your competition than to buy them out? But how will this affect consumers? Competition drives research, keeps prices under control and provides options for consumers to choose when a manufacturer does a disservice to its customers. The positives found in competition have been eliminated by this merger. Jobs are being eliminated in the US and Whirlpool is now manufacturing product in Mexico (read cheap labour.)

However, as we step further into the door of the global economy, these types of mergers will become more commonplace. It is the only way that North America can compete with the China’s and Taiwan’s of the world. Jobs will be moved to 3rd world nations where labour is cheap, product will increasingly become disposable and in the end consumers will be left holding the tab. The only way this slide could be stopped would be to stop the importation of foreign product into North America – we know that is not going to happen. So workers in oppressive nations will be exploited, the rich will get richer and shareowners in companies like Whirlpool Corp. will be happy.

Cinical? I suppose, but in terms global competition the merger is necessary and is a good acquisition for Whirlpool Corp.

Welcome to post number one. What I hope to do here is post the happenings of the Appliance industry along with whatever thoughts and comments pop into my mind. I urge anyone reading these posts to make comments on anything you read here (agree or disagree.) If you hear of something that you think the rest of the world should know about or if you would like a soapbox to editorialize on something appliance related please drop me a line at neighbour@neighboursappliance.com. Thanks – and have fun reading.

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Neighbour's Appliance Service is an appliance repair company servicing Winkler, Altona, Morden and surrounding areas in Southern Manitoba, Canada. We service most major makes and brands of home appliances. Please enjoy our Blog and do leave a comment or two. We love to hear from our readers!

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